Sharks feeder club Newtown started their season with a dominant win over the Panthers on Saturday, but the same can't be said for Cronulla's Jersey Flegg side after a stirring comeback fell short.
It was the first proper hit-out for both sides after Round 1 byes, with matches against the Melbourne Storm their next assignment.
See a snapshot of the results and point-scorers below.
Jersey Flegg Cup
Sharks 32 (Setefano Sele two, Richard Whalebone two, Jai Camilleri two, Xavier Cacciotti tries; Nikora Williams, Marc Tannous goals) def by Panthers 34
They scored seven tries to Penrith's six, but it wasn't enough for the Sharks to walk away with the points at St Marys Leagues Stadium. Cronulla landed only two of seven goal attempts, ultimately costing themselves victory. But having trailed 30-14 at half-time – a scoreline flattered by three Sharks tries in seven minutes before heading into the sheds – there was no shortage of encouraging signs. Dynamic interchange hooker Jai Camilleri scored with three minutes remaining to nearly salvage a draw, but the conversion was unfortunately waved away.
NSW Cup
Jets 38 (Tuku Hau Tapuha, Blake Hosking, Taj Ford, Felix Faatili, Jaxon Lavender, Kristian Dixon tries; Niwhai Puru six goals, one penalty goal) def Panthers 16
Sharks-contracted halfback Niwhai Puru led the way with a try assist, three line-break assists and seven goals as Newtown thumped Penrith 38-16. Puru pulled the strings as the Jets cruised to victory, with outside backs Michael Gabrael (159 metres) and Kristian Dixon (173 metres) producing huge efforts. Powerhouse props Tuku Hau Tapuha and Felix Faatili both crossed the stripe.
